USAF Testing Angry Kitten EW Pod on C-130 as F-16 Integration Progresses

The F-16 has completed the test phase for the integration of the AN/ALQ-167 Angry Kitten electronic warfare pod, as the USAF considers the platform for other aircraft types like the C-130, KC-135, and KC-46.

Despite being an add-on capability that aims to provide modern electronic warfare (EW) functionality to aircraft which otherwise would be lacking in that area, the Angry Kitten utilizes advances in machine learning to offer a ‘cognitive EW’ capability that makes it a strong player in an air force’s electronic arsenal. It can independently assess opposing technology and choose a specific response tailored to that threat, as well as rapidly adapt when it encounters unfamiliar foes.

This built-in intelligence is extremely beneficial on single-seat aircraft, where decisions on electronic threat assessment cannot be handled by a backseater dedicated to operating weapons and sensors.

The pod was initially designed for use on the F-16, stemming from research dating back to 2013 that intended to produce a threat simulation pod for training use. Since then it has evolved into a potential front-line asset, even seeing integration onto the MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The distinctive pod has also been spotted under the wings of U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets.

Advanced EW capabilities are of particular importance for aircraft types that might come into harm’s way but lack the self-defense capabilities of combat aircraft. This includes many variants of the C-130 Hercules, as well as the KC-135 and KC-46 refueling aircraft.

Some testing has already been carried out for Angry Kitten’s integration onto the C-130. The pod is fitted using the Special Airborne Mission Installation & Response, or SABIR, system. SABIR was developed by Airdyne as a multi-role bolt-on modular system that allows for aircraft, most commonly the C-130, to be rapidly configured for special mission use with intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) payloads.

Adding Angry Kitten and other EW payloads to C-130s, an otherwise large and vulnerable aircraft, would allow them to operate with better survivability in contested airspace, which might be unavoidable for certain special operations or combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions.

The Airdyne SABIR system avoids cutting holes in a C-130 by simply replacing the rear side doors pic.twitter.com/wSHKDYkWci

— Think Defence (@thinkdefence) May 29, 2024

Angry Kitten was showcased at the Air Reserve Component Weapons and Tactics Conference (ARCWEPTAC) where it piqued the interest of crews who operate the KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-46 Pegasus. With long range ‘AWACS killer’ air to air missiles regularly flaunted by the USAF’s main adversaries the idea that support aircraft, like ISR and tanker platforms, can always be kept at a safe distance behind the frontline can no longer be guaranteed.

In the longer term, the USAF has envisioned the fielding of reduced radar cross-section tankers that would use stealth to mitigate the vulnerabilities of large aircraft, although the future of this program remains far from certain. Until the funding for these, or an alternative provision, can be found, existing and comparatively conventional designs like the KC-46 Pegasus will have to adapt to the evolving battlefield.

Using EW pods like Angry Kitten would go some way towards protecting these vulnerable, valuable support assets. An additional benefit to installation on larger platforms, as found with testing on the C-130, is the ability for a mission specialist to be carried on board the aircraft specifically to operate the pod. This allows for more parameters to be adjusted and updated mid-flight, while on the F-16 the Angry Kitten relies solely upon mission data files that are programmed and loaded pre-flight.

This would, of course, be employed alongside other protective techniques. KC-135 crews have notably begun conducting low-level flying sorties, which would reduce the range at which the aircraft could be detected by hostile radar.

Angry Kitten jamming pod…..on an A-10C. pic.twitter.com/TcyZj1cYsE

— The Merge 🇺🇲 (@MergeNewsletter) May 24, 2023

According to the AFRC Test Centre, evaluation of Angry Kitten for the A-10 Thunderbolt II is also continuing. The A-10 was spotted carrying the pod as far back as 2023.

Advanced Test and Training Capability

Dubbed ‘Angry Kitten Inc 2 Block 2’ by engineers working on the program, the Advanced Test and Training Capability (ATTACK) pod is currently in the works as a next-generation option beyond Angry Kitten. Old-style analog receivers will be replaced by digital receivers, and a large amount of the internal electronics are being simplified using modern technological developments. This intends to create extra space within the pod for future expansion and upgrades.

The name suggests the pod’s origin in threat simulation, rather than operational use, is still the key driver behind its development, although the ATTACK acronym clearly suggests a direct offensive capability.